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Pushing the boat out to promote water
activities
Young people can start the summer off with
a tidal wave of excitement.
In a bid to encourage young people to realise the benefits of taking up
a water based sport, Wigan Council Children and Young People’s Services
(CYPS) Outdoor Education Team are holding a ‘Have A Go Day’ on May 29th
between 10am and 2pm at Scotsman’s Flash in Poolstock.
The event is totally free and anyone aged 13 to 25 living in Wigan
Borough can try splashtastic water sports such as canoeing, wind surfing
and sailing.
The Outdoor Education Team are hoping their summer programme will be
plain sailing, after bad weather and a blue-green algae outbreak ruled
out some of their water based activities last year.
Eric Bradbury, Wigan Council Children and Young People’s Services
Outdoor Education Manager said: “Last year was disappointing due to
circumstances beyond our control so we’re keen to do everything we can
to make sure this year is better than ever.
“The aim of the ‘Have a Go Day’ is to show people what we offer without
anyone having to make a regular commitment to a club. I’d encourage
everyone to come along and take advantage of this great opportunity.
Taking part in outdoor activities is not only fun but has many benefits.
Water based sports are challenging, fantastic exercise and improve
teamwork and leadership skills.”
Recent research by nfpSynergy for the Scout Association showed 49% of
parents are fearful when their child take part in an outdoor activity.
Eric Bradbury said: “Outdoor activity is safe when it is carried out
under the supervision of professional instructors. The activities at the
‘Have a Go Day’ will be delivered by trained professionals and First
Aiders will be on hand in the extremely unlikely event that they are
required. Parents really have nothing to worry about.”
The Outdoor Education Team will be running a number of regular
activities at Scotman’s Flash throughout the summer. Saturday Sailing
Club and the Wind and Wave Project, held on Saturday mornings and
Tuesday evenings respectively, give 13 to 21 year-olds the chance to
learn and develop sailing and windsurfing skills. Participants can work
towards Royal Yachting Association qualifications at both clubs.
Wigan Canoe Group and Saturday Canoeing, held on Thursday evenings and
Saturday afternoons respectively, give young people the chance to go
kayaking and canoeing on the Flash, while the Aiming High Project helps
young people over 14 to develop rock climbing skills on Saturdays at
various crags and indoor climbing walls.
To book a place on the ‘Have A Go Day’ or to find out more about any of
the Outdoor Education Team’s regular activities telephone Wayne Platt on
(01942) 769813 or email
plattwayne@wigan.gov.uk
-ends-
Notes to Editors
Photos attached
• Please find attached three photos. Photo 1 Eric Bradbury. Photo 2 The
Aiming High Project. Photo 3 Saturday Sailing at Scotman’s Flash.
Further information
• For further information please contact Kennedy Stewart, Press Officer
for Wigan Youth Information at Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, on
(01942) 486927.
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